VATICAN CITY — In his Christmas message to the world yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI called for an
end to the slaughter in Syria and for more meaningful negotiations between Israelis and
Palestinians. He also encouraged more religious freedom under China’s new leaders.

Delivering the traditional speech from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Benedict
also encouraged Arab spring nations, especially Egypt, to build just and respectful societies.

The pope prayed that China’s new leadership “esteem the contribution of the religions, in
respect for each other” to help build a “fraternal society for the benefit of that noble
people."

It was a clear reference to the Chinese government’s often harsh treatment of Catholics loyal to
the pontiff instead of to the state-sanctioned church. This month, the Vatican refused to accept
the decision by Chinese authorities to revoke the title of a Shanghai bishop, who had been
appointed in a rare show of consensus between the Holy See and China.

As the pontiff, bundled up in an ermine-trimmed red cape, gingerly set foot onto the balcony,
the pilgrims, tourists and Romans packing St. Peter’s Square below erupted in cheers. Less than 12
hours earlier, Benedict, 85, had led a two-hour Christmas Eve ceremony in the basilica.

He sounded hoarse and looked weary as he read his Christmas message and then holiday greetings
in 65 languages.

In his
Urbi et Orbi speech, which traditionally reviews world events and global challenges,
Benedict prayed that “peace spring up for the people of Syria, deeply wounded and divided by a
conflict that does not spare even the defenseless and reaps innocent victims.”

He called for easier access to help refugees and for “dialogue in the pursuit of a political
solution to the conflict.”

Benedict prayed that God “grant Israelis and Palestinians courage to end long years of conflict
and division, and to embark resolutely on the path to negotiation.”

Benedict offered encouragement to countries after the Arab spring of democracy protests. He had
a special word for Egypt, “blessed by the childhood of Jesus.”

Without citing the tumultuous politics and clashes in the region, he urged the North African
region to build societies “founded on justice and respect for the dignity of every person.”

Benedict prayed for the return of peace in Mali and harmony in Nigeria, where, he recalled, “
Savage acts of terrorism continue to reap victims, particularly among Christians.”

Acknowledging Latin America’s predominant Christian population, he urged government leaders to
carry out commitments to development and to fighting organized crime.